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As my job involves putting shoes on the nice little horseys i have learnt how to handle them and pick up on warning signs/body language. If you don't have that experience they are intimidating due mainly to the size of them, but as most have said just stay calm as they pick up on your mood/nerves and talk calmly to them as they approach. Defo don't go flying past without warning as the next mtbiker that comes into contact is going to have more problems.
I always stop to let them past if the trail is narrow & we meet head on. Always call out if approaching from behind etc.
Not because i'm particularly polite but because the bloody things terrify me!
Most riders are lovely, one woman once however rapped me on the helmet with her riding crop & enquired.. "Young man, is this a bridleway?"
Her riding friends had the good grace to look suitably embarrassed as i fought the urge to take the crop off her...
Mind you, once out on the MTL near Burnley & at the top of a descent i saw a lady rider heading up. Wanting a clear run i waited til she was past. When she came level she asked "Are you loopy?" in a very posh accent.
I said "What?" as i couldn't believe what she had apparently said.
"Are you LOOPING?" she asked again
Me: "Oh no, not today (phew) just a short ride"
Her: "what do you think of the Loop?"
Me: "I think it's great, really enjoy riding it"
Her: "Oh good, Mother would have been so proud"
At this point i realised i was talking to Aristocracy! 😳